Suspect shot dead by Secret Service after opening fire on White House security checkpoint
Secret service officials returned fire, striking the subject, who was later declared dead at hospital
The suspect in a shooting near the White House has been pronounced dead after being shot by police officers, according to the US Secret Service (USSS).
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The USSS reported that the suspect approached a checkpoint near the White House just after 6 p.m. local time (11 p.m. UK time), pulled a weapon from his bag and fired at officers.
Secret service officials returned fire, striking the subject who was then taken to hospital.
The shooter has now been confirmed dead by officials.
No law enforcement personnel were injured in the incident, but a bystander was caught in the crossfire.
The scene has since been contained, but a large police presence remains in the area between 17th street and Pennsylvania avenue.
An NBC News team stationed at the White House at the time said they heard between 20 and 30 gunshots at around 6 p.m.
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: "FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds - we will update the public as we’re able."
Following the gunshots, Secret Service agents urged reporters who were gathered outside on the North Lawn to run inside the press briefing room.
The White House was on lockdown for over an hour, with members of the Secret Service posted just outside the briefing room with guns drawn.
The USSS confirmed that President Trump was in the White House during the incident, but "no protectees or operations were impacted".
He is believed to be safe at time of writing, and has been briefed on the incident.
Photos are emerging showing the nearby streets are closed to traffic, with many emergency services present in the surrounding areas.
Footage posted to X by ABC News journalist Selina Wang shows the moment her broadcast was interrupted with the sound of gunshots, as she and her crew drop to the floor and shelter.
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
The news came just hours after Donald Trump had taken to Truth Social to announce that a peace deal with Iran was “largely negotiated”.
“Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” he wrote, promising that the Strait of Hormuz “will be reopened”.
It also comes just one month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.